Curing light device

ABSTRACT

A curing light device for curing a compound includes a housing and a tip structure configured to be removably coupled with the housing. A light emitting device operable for emitting light in a wavelength range suitable for curing a light curable compound is positioned at the distal end of the tip structure. Electrical components are positioned at the proximal end of the tip structure and coupled with the at least one light emitting device and are configured for engaging complementary electrical components positioned in the housing for providing power to the light emitting device. A portion of the tip structure extends beyond the proximal end of the tip structure and is configured to be received by a feature in the housing for physically aligning the tip structure in the housing and for aligning the electrical components. A power supply circuit is rechargeable and includes an ultracapacitor element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/752,335, filed Apr. 1, 2010, entitled “CURING LIGHT DEVICE”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/166,130, filed Apr. 2, 2009, entitled “CURING LIGHT DEVICE”, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to illumination or light devices, and more specifically to an illumination device that is used for oral and dental applications and provides light to illuminate and to cure light-curable compounds in dental applications

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many illumination devices or light devices exist for use in dental and oral applications. One specific category of dental illumination devices is directed to hand-held devices that are held in proximity to the mouth of the patient to illuminate an area within the patient's mouth for various reasons. One particular usage is directed to curing light-curable compounds in the mouth. While suitable hand-held light devices exist for dental applications, there are often various drawbacks associated with such light devices, particularly with respect to dental curing lights.

Many such dental lights have a body, which contains the light elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LED). A tapered and curved light guide, then interfaces with the end of the body and the light-emitting elements to capture the light and direct it where desired. Generally, such light guides are bundles of fiber-optic elements, which operate to capture the light in the device, away from the patient's mouth, and then forward that light to a tip that may be placed at the area of interest within a patient's mouth. While such light guides operate in a suitable manner, they are also very inefficient. Almost half of the light generated in the device is lost in the transmission from its source down to the tip, through the light guide. Such inefficiency requires a significantly large light engine to generate the light needed at the curing site, such as for curing a compound. In turn, heat is generated, which must be properly removed and directed away from the light engine. The greater the output required by the light engine, the more heat that must be addressed.

Another issue associated with such dental lights is their sterilization. As may be appreciated, the tip of the dental light is generally brought into proximity or into actual contact with the mouth of the patient or some portion of the mouth. Thus, the tip of the light device is exposed to various germs and bacteria. Accordingly, in order to prevent the propagation of germs or infection between patients, dental instruments are often sterilized, such as by being autoclaved at a very high temperature. While suggestions and some attempts have been made in the art to move the light engine of a dental light closer to the operating tip, such attempts have not thoroughly addressed the issue of sterilization. For example, the temperature at which autoclaving is achieved is potentially damaging to a light engine, such as the light-emitting elements in an LED array. Accordingly, the issue of sterilization has not been adequately addressed by existing dental lights, such as dental curing lights.

Another drawback to existing dental lights is directed to their need for a power source. Often times, such lights are actually plugged into a base that then couples to an AC source, such as a wall outlet. Some are connected directly to an AC wall outlet. Some portable dental light devices are not attached to a base, but rather utilize batteries, such as rechargeable batteries. However, rechargeable batteries require a significant amount of time to charge, and thus, there may be some valuable down time required for the dental light, when it might otherwise be put to use. Furthermore, existing battery charging technology uses batteries that are subject to a somewhat limited number of charge cycles. Their continued ability to take and maintain a charge is reduced over time and usage. After a somewhat limited number of cycles, the batteries have to be replaced. Thus, there is still a need to address power issues in portable curing lights.

As such, various drawbacks remain in the field of dental lights, particularly dental curing lights, which are not addressed by the current art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a light device incorporating features of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a light device in a charging base.

FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the light device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the light device of FIG. 1 showing the tip structure engaging the housing.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the light device of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an end cap structure for a tip structure of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a circuit schematic for a charging circuit to be used to charge the invented light device.

FIG. 7 is a graphical depiction of the curve for operation of the circuit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a graphical depiction of the charging of the ultracapacitors according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9A is a graphical depiction of a capacitor charging curve.

FIG. 9B is a graphical depiction of a capacitor discharging curve.

FIG. 10 is a circuit schematic showing a power supply current source circuit for one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a circuit schematic showing a power supply current source circuit for another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a circuit schematic showing a power supply current source circuit for another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a circuit schematic showing a power supply current source circuit for another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a graphical depiction of a discharge function according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a circuit schematic showing a power supply current source circuit for another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a circuit schematic showing a power supply current source circuit for another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a light device 10 of the present invention. While one embodiment of light device 10 might be used for curing, other uses are also anticipated, such as illumination, tooth whitening, or other treatment applications. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the particular use described herein for an exemplary embodiment. Curing device 10 includes the housing 12 and a tip structure 14 that is removably coupled to the housing 12. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, as discussed further hereinbelow, the tip structure 14 may be removed so that it may be separately autoclaved from the overall device. Device 10 also includes suitable control electronics 16 (See FIG. 2) with external controls 18 that may include buttons, switches, or other suitable manual controls for controlling device 10. A display device 20 might also be utilized and may include a screen, individual light elements, or other graphical elements for providing a visual display of the operation of device 10. For example, the operational mode or setting of the device, the selectable curing times, the remaining curing time, the charging or power status, and diagnostic graphics might also be illustrated utilizing a visual display 20. The tip structure 14 includes a proximal end 22 that is removably coupled with housing 12, and a distal end 24, which is placed within the mouth of a patient for curing a light-curable compound, in accordance with the invention. The base 26 of housing 12 might be coupled to a suitable external power supply, such as an AC or DC source in the form of a charging base or dock 27, as shown in FIG. 1A, for charging rechargeable internal elements of power supply circuit 28 of the device 10 (See FIG. 2). Base 26 might also be configured to fit within a suitable structure, such as a standalone, table-mounted base, a mounting structure for mounting it on a wall, pole, or chair, or might be incorporated in a portion of a dental chair for holding and charging the curing device 10.

FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate cross-sectional views of device 10, showing the interface between the tip structure 14 and housing 12.

FIG. 3 illustrates the tip structure 14 engaging the housing. In the figures, section lines 30 are shown indicating a removable portion of the housing 12 for illustrative purposes. The housing 12, as well as the tip structure 14, may be sized as appropriate for a hand-held curing device that may be manipulated to position the distal end 24 of the device in the mouth of a patient, or otherwise proximate to light-curable material and compounds.

Tip structure 14 includes a heat sink structure or element 32 that extends in the tip structure from the proximal end 22 to the distal end 24. In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2A, the heat sink 32 extends past the proximal end 22 of the tip structure 14 to engage the housing 12 for appropriate thermal transfer of heat from a curing light device. The heat sink may be made from a suitable heat-transfer or heat-conducting material, such as a metal (e.g. copper) or aluminum. Alternatively, a high thermal conductivity material such as Pyrolytic Graphite sheets (PGS) might be used for heat sink 32. In one embodiment, the heat sink 32 is an elongated copper tube formed in an appropriate shape for positioning inside the tip structure 14. Suitable thermal insulation material 34 surrounds the heat sink 32. Tip structure 14 includes a body 36 that houses the elements of the tip structure, and is appropriately sealed at its proximal and distal ends 22 and 24, as discussed further hereinbelow. The body 36 is made from an autoclavable material in accordance with one aspect of the invention. As noted above, it is desirable to sterilize certain reusable dental elements, such as those that are used in or inserted into or onto or proximate to the mouth of a patient. Past curing light devices have not been autoclavable to the degree desired by dental professionals. The present invention provides the tip structure enclosed within a sealed body 36 made from an autoclavable material that is able to withstand high temperature autoclaving, such as above 121° C., thus making the entire tip structure, including the light-emitting device or engine therein, autoclavable as well.

In one embodiment of the invention, the autoclavable body 36 is formed of a suitable metal, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the body 36 might be formed of a ceramic, glass, or porcelain material that is able to withstand the temperatures associated with autoclaving. Generally, the body 36 will be formed to a suitable shape in conjunction with the heat sink 32 and insulation material 34. For example, the heat sink 32 and insulation material 34 might be formed and the body 36 then formed by coating with the ceramic, glass porcelain, or other autoclavable material. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the tip structure 14 is appropriately curved from manipulation at a curing site, such as the mouth of a patient, and thus, the body 36 is formed in a curved fashion as well.

Coupled at the distal end of the heat sink 32 is a light-emitting device, or light-emitting engine 40. Such light-emitting devices may include one or more LED elements that are known for curing light-curable compounds, such as dental compounds, and are available from various manufacturers. High power LED elements are one suitable type of elements for the inventive device. For example, a high-power dental LED might be used. The light-emitting engine might use a single LED element or a plurality of elements in an array. Generally, for curing purposes, the light-emitting device will emit a light in a particular desired wavelength for curing a light-curable compound. For various dental compounds, a suitable light is in the wavelength range of 400-500 nanometers, or the blue light range. For other uses of the inventive light, such as for examination of the oral regions to detect caries, illuminate areas, and provide cancer screening, other wavelengths might be used.

However, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, various different tip structures 14 may be readily removed and inserted into the housing 12 so that multiple different tip structures might be utilized with a single housing 12. To that end, the light-emitting devices of the various tip structures might be directed to other applications, such as to whiten teeth, or for illumination within the mouth of a patient, but would still be operated with the same housing 12 and its controls. As such, the present invention is not limited to a specific type of lighting device or use, and various different tip structures 14 might be utilized with light-emitting devices that emit light in an appropriate range of wavelengths for different uses, such as curing, whitening, illuminating, screening, etc.

Such light-emitting devices or light engine 40 generally include a base or substrate 42 that supports one or more light-emitting structures, or semi-conductor junctions, such as in the form of light-emitting diodes or LEDs. A single light-emitting structure might be utilized or an array of structures might be arranged on substrate 42 for providing device 40, depending upon the power of the structures or elements. High power LED elements may be used for example. The light-emitting device 40 is able to withstand high temperatures, and thus, utilizes high-temperature structures, or LED's. Substrate 42 is adhered directly to the distal end of heat sink 32 utilizing a high-temperature adhesive or cement. The direct coupling of the light-emitting device 40 to the heat sink 32 provides optimum thermal coupling for removal of the heat generated by the light-emitting structures 44 or substrate 42.

To seal the distal end 24 of housing 36, a glass window 46 or other transparent element is solder-sealed around its periphery to housing 36, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The transparent element is configured to allow light to pass out of the distal end of the housing. To that end, the glass window 46 might include metalized portions around its periphery for proper solder-sealing to the housing 36 utilizing a high-temperature solder, or other appropriate high-temperature adhesive. Generally, the light-emitting device 40 operates with a lens 48 over the LEDs or other light-emitting structures in order to focus the light from those structures. A window 46 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively, a separate lens 48 might be sealed to the end of the housing 36 instead of a window 46. The lens 48 may be appropriately shaped for focusing light from light-emitting device 40.

To power the light-emitting device 40, the present invention utilizes high-temperature flexible circuits, or flex circuits 50, 52. The flex circuits extend generally along the inside of the tip structure proximate the heat sink 32. The flex circuits are flexible, and thus, may follow the contour or shape of the heat sink 32. In one embodiment of the invention, suitable traces or channels might be formed in the heat sink 32 for placement of the flex circuits 50, 52. The flex circuits 50, 52, in turn, couple to a ceramic end cap 54, with suitable electrically-conductive elements, such as traces, thereon for coupling to the flex circuits, and ultimately to a power supply and control circuits, as discussed further below.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, the proximal end 22 of the tip structure 14, and particularly the proximal end of housing 36, is sealed utilizing a ceramic end cap 54 that has rotational circuit traces 56, 58 formed therein, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Specifically, in one particular feature of the invention, the tip structure 14 is rotatably coupled with housing 12. To facilitate such rotation, while maintaining the delivery of electrical signals to the light-emitting device 40, device 10 of the invention incorporates circular electrically-conductive elements or circuit traces 56, 58 formed on or in the end cap 54. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the circuit traces 56, 58 generally follow the shape of the end cap, and have a generally circular shape. Furthermore, end cap 54 has an appropriate center opening 60 formed therein for passage of the heat sink 32, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the innermost circuit trace 56 is illustrated is being electrically-coupled to the flex circuit 50. Similarly, the outer circuit trace 58 on the end cap 54 is coupled with flex circuit 52. End cap 54 may be a ceramic end cap of a suitable ceramic material, such as aluminum oxide. The ceramic cap may be adhered to the body 36. If the body is metal, the edge of ceramic cap 54 may be metalized for soldering the cap to the end of the body. Alternatively, if the body is made from glass, a suitable high-temperature adhesive might be utilized to couple the end cap to the glass body.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 5, the metal traces 56, 58 are formed through end cap 54 to present a connection for the flex circuits at the distal end of the tip structure. When coupled with or plugged into housing 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the flex circuits 50, 52 via the ceramic end cap 54 are coupled to a suitable power supply circuit and controls. Specifically, spring contacts 62, 64 are mounted at the end of housing 12 that interfaces with tip structure 14. Those spring contacts 62, 64 are coupled through appropriate connections or circuits 66, 68 back to a suitable power supply circuit 28. The supplied power may then be controlled via suitable control circuit 16, such as to control the intensity of the light-emitting device, the duration of its illumination, and various other parameters associated with the operational modes of device 10. Housing 12 contains suitable control circuitry 16 and a power supply circuit 28, along with the various electrical connections/circuits 66, 68 for powering the tip structure 14 and the light-emitting device 40 at its distal end. Power supply circuit 28, through contacts 70 may be coupled to an external supply of power, such as an AC source or a DC source, for charging elements of the power supply. For example, as is illustrated in FIG. 1A, a base 27 might hold or dock device 10 for recharging purposes. In one embodiment of the invention, the power supply circuit includes rechargeable supply elements, such as a battery, which may be charged and removed from the external power source to be manipulated by an operator. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 4, an ultracapacitor element or circuit might be utilized to provide the desired power for the light-emitting device 40. Housing 12 may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, or some other rigid material.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the tip structure 14 is coupled to housing 12, the contacts 62, 64 engage the circuit elements or traces 56, 58 respectively in the end of the tip structure. This electronically couples the light-emitting device with the power supply circuit. Because of the unique circular pattern of the traces, the tip structure 14 may be rotated in a range of 0°-360°, while the contacts 62, 64 still maintain connection to the traces 56, 58. Alternatively, the circular conductive element might only be contacted over some circular range less than 360°, but still allow at least partial rotation. In that way, the tip structure may be rotated without jeopardizing the electrical connection between the housing 12 and the tip structure 14. Although the electrically-conductive elements 56, 58 are illustrated as formed on the tip structure and the contact elements 62, 64, as positioned on the housing, their relative position might be reversed with elements 56, 58 on housing 12 and elements 62, 64 on tip structure 14. That is, the electrically-conductive elements or traces 56, 58 and contact elements 62, 64 may be positioned on either of the opposing housing and tip structure to pass power between the two. In an alternative embodiment, alternate pins and sockets might be used between the housing and tip structure to electrically couple the light-emitting device and power supply circuit.

At the same time, the proximal end of the heat sink 32 engages a suitable channel 80 formed in housing 12. The channel 80 is formed by an additional or secondary heat sink structure or element 82, which is preferably formed of a suitable metal, such as aluminum. In addition to the channel 80, the heat sink 82 includes a reservoir portion 84, which contains additional heat sink material. That reservoir portion might be all metal to form a metal heat sink. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the reservoir portion 84 might be made of metal, but then contains an amount of phase change material 86. Phase change material absorbs the heat from the secondary heat sink structure 82, and changes phase upon such absorption. For example, one suitable phase change material might be a paraffin wax that melts as it absorbs heat. This allows a suitable delay in the temperature rise of the light-emitting device 40 to provide a safe temperature level for the light-emitting device and the overall tip structure during normal usage. Other phase change materials might also be contained within the reservoir portion 84 of the secondary heat sink structure 82, and thus, the present invention is not limited to a particular phase change material 86.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the tip structure 14 is plugged into, or otherwise coupled to or engaged with, housing 12, the heat sink 32 engages the secondary heat sink structure 82 such that the end of the heat sink 32 is inserted into channel 80 to provide direct thermal connection or coupling between the heat sink 32 and the secondary heat sink structure 82. In that way, the metal of the secondary heat sink structure 82 may absorb the heat conducted by heat sink 32. If the reservoir portion 84 is simply solid metal or filled with a metal material, that metal would absorb heat, and thus, keep the temperature of the light-emitting device at a suitable operating point. Alternatively, if the phase change material 86 fills reservoir 84, the phase change material may melt in its absorption of heat, and thus, change phase to keep the operating point at a suitably low temperature. The circuits 66, 68 are high temperature circuits, and thus, will be suitable in their proximity to the secondary heat sink structure 82. Furthermore, a jacket of insulation 88 might surround a proportion of the secondary heat sink structure 82, such as the reservoir portion 84, and may also surround suitable electronic elements, such as the power supply circuit 28, and portions of the contacts 70 in order to protect them from the heat of the second heat sink structure 82.

Solid-liquid phase change materials absorb heat, and their temperature rises to a point where they change phase (their melting point). The materials then absorb additional amounts of heat without getting significantly hotter. When the ambient temperature in the reservoir provided by the secondary heat sink drops, the phase change material 86 solidifies, and thus, releases its stored heat. Therefore, the phase change material absorbs and emits heat while maintaining a generally constant temperature, which is desirable for the hand-held housing 12.

Another suitable phase change material is paraffin wax loaded with carbon. Once the heat sink engages with the bore hole, or channel 80 of the external heat sink, suitable thermal conduction is achieved.

The spring-loaded nature of the spring contacts 62, 64 provides a consistent and robust electrical connection between housing 12 and the tip structure 14.

Turning to FIG. 4, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply circuit 28 incorporates one or more ultracapacitors or super capacitors to provide the power for supplying the light-emitting device in the tip structure 14. The one or more ultracapacitors 90 could be utilized to replace batteries in the power supply circuit 28. The ultracapacitors provide high-energy storage, and are able to deliver power instantly when called upon, such as to power the light-emitting device. The ultracapacitors also charge very rapidly, sometimes in seconds, using the charging or charger circuits described herein in accordance with aspects of the invention. They can also be used to provide a necessary sudden burst of energy for applications of the device 10 of the invention. The rapid charging time provided by the power supply circuit 28 of the invention provides quick-charge applications, and eliminates the need for rechargeable batteries, which may require hours to fully charge. Furthermore, ultracapacitors have greater useful life. While a NiMH battery might be charged 500 cycles, or a Li-Ion battery 300 cycles, the present invention uses ultracapacitors that might be charged 500,000 cycles. Furthermore, such ultracapacitors that are charged and discharged as described herein do not have a memory (like battery units), have a reduced weight and cost, and do not yield hazardous waste upon disposal. For example, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries weigh significantly more on average than ultracapacitors.

A device 10, utilizing the features of the present invention, may be coupled to a suitable external power source, such as in a power base or dock 27 with sufficient contacts to engage the contacts 70 of device 10 (FIG. 1A). The ultracapacitors 90 may be charged and then discharged over a series of use cycles, such as curing cycles, for the device 10. The device may then be replaced into its charging base, or dock, to recharge the ultracapacitor. Generally, the ultracapacitor elements will not need replacement during the lifetime of the device 10, as would batteries. Since the ultracapacitors 90 charge very rapidly, the down time between charging cycles for a device 10 is very short. For example, while a NiMH battery or Li-Ion battery might take around 2.5 hours to charge fully, an ultracapacitor, as charged in accordance with the circuits of the invention, might be fully charged in 15 seconds.

FIG. 6 is a circuit schematic of one possible charging or charger circuit to be utilized within the base unit or dock 27 for charging device 10 and particularly for charging the ultracapacitors that would be provided in one such embodiment of the invention. Charger circuit 100 includes a power supply circuit/component 102 that provides suitable DC power to the circuit. For example, the power supply 102 may be coupled with an appropriate AC power cord 104 for plugging into an AC outlet, and provides DC power within the range of 5-24 Volts, for example. An indicator LED 106 might be used to provide an indication that the base 27 has power. (See FIG. 1A.) As shown in FIG. 1A, base 27 might also include indicators 111, 113 for indicating that device 10 is charging or fully charged. Circuit 100 is configured to operate as a current source in the form of a current foldback circuit, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The current foldback circuit 100 is utilized to charge the ultracapacitor power supply circuit 28 of the invention, and provides a desirable rapid charge of the ultracapacitor elements 90 that differs from over how the capacitor might be charged generally. Specifically, in one embodiment of the invention, a current source is utilized to charge the ultracapacitor elements 90.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate typical charge and discharge curves for a regular capacitor. For example, FIG. 9A shows a charge curve, and FIG. 9B shows a discharge curve. In general capacitor theory, the charge and discharge curves of a capacitor are considered to be exponential, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. A single time constant, or 1 T, indicates the amount of time that it takes for a capacitor to charge generally to around 63% of its full charge. The time for a full charge is expressed as 5 T, as may be seen in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows the discharge curve that is also exponential, wherein the time constant 1 T is indicative of the time it takes to discharge to about 37% of its full charge.

However, in the present invention, it is necessary to charge ultracapacitors faster than traditional charging for the purposes of efficient use by an operator of the device 10 of the invention. That is, for certain uses, such as for curing dental compounds, it is desirable to charge the ultracapacitor very rapidly to avoid waiting and downtime in the curing process. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 6, a current source power supply circuit 100 is used to charge the ultracapacitor at the desired rate. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the invention provides a rapid, generally non-exponential charge function for the ultracapacitor. FIG. 8 illustrates a charging ultracapacitor voltage versus time for the charger circuit of FIG. 6, and it may be seen that a very steep linear slope and charging is provided by the invention for providing a linear change function, as shown in FIG. 6. This provides significant advantages for the invention.

Returning again to FIG. 6, circuit 100 acts as a linear power supply with a current foldback function. FIG. 7 illustrates a curve associated with the operation of a current foldback supply, as illustrated in FIG. 6. When the power supply is connected to be charged, such as when device 10 is placed into the charging base 27, current is constant until the ultracapacitors are fully charged, and then there is effectively little or no output current to the ultracapacitors.

Charger circuit 100 utilizes a linear adjustable voltage regulator 108, such as an LM1084IT regulator available from National Semi-Conductor. In circuit 100, regulator 108 is a standard linear regulator where the control feedback signal is controlled by the transistor Q1 voltage Vbe. The current, through the charging ultracapacitor elements coupled to a connector 109, develops a voltage across sensing resistors (R3/R4). When the voltage across the sensing resistors is equal to the Vbe of transistor Q1 (0.6V), the transistor turns ON, and forces the linear voltage regulator 108 to foldback and limit the current generally to a value of I=0.6V/R3+R4. Once the ultracapacitors are fully charged, the current is generally or effectively 0 Amps. The capacitor charge time with such a circuit acting as a current source is illustrated in FIG. 8 as approximately T=C(V/I).

The constant power charging topology, as utilized in the invention and disclosed herein, generally transfers all the available power from the charging source or base into the energy storage ultracapacitors. The straight linear constant current or power delivery can generally provide a recharge of the power supply of the invention faster than 1 T versus having to wait up to 5 T, as with conventional charging of a capacitor. Effectively, the practical charge time will be set by the maximum peak current that the ultracapacitors can accept.

While FIG. 6 illustrates a charger circuit 100 that is a linear constant current foldback power supply, another alternative embodiment of the invention for fast ultracapacitor charging is to use a switched mode current mode power supply with pulse limit and pulse-by-pulse limit. In another embodiment, a lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery charger might be utilized. Alternatively, a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery charger might also be utilized for the purposes of charging the ultracapacitors.

For the purposes of the invention, various different ultracapacitors might be utilized. In one embodiment, the ultracapacitor element or elements has a capacity of around 150 Farad. A range of 50-1,000 Farad might be suitable for the purposes of the invention. A multi-layer ultracapacitor might be utilized, such as one from Illinois Capacitor. Alternatively, ultracapacitors made from carbon nanotubes might also be utilized. In still another embodiment, an ultracapacitor made from carbon aerogel might be used. Lithium Ion ultracapacitors might also be utilized and provide significant cycling (e.g., 100,000 cycles) with a very low self-discharge characteristic. Another desirable feature of ultracapacitors is that they may be smaller, thinner, and lighter than conventional power supplies, such as rechargeable batteries.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device 10 is utilized for curing dental compounds. In such an application, the LEDs that are used for the light device or engine 40 are generally high-power blue LEDs, such as an array of such LEDs. Such devices are generally current devices, and the light output from the LEDs is a direct function of the current provided from the power supply. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, to maintain a constant light output, the current to the LED elements or array 40 should be constant. In one feature of the invention, the present invention provides a current source to power the LEDs. That is, the ultracapacitors are discharged as a current source. To that end a desirable discharge function for the ultracapacitors of the invention is a straight linear function, as shown in FIG. 14, where the discharge time would be:

T _(discharge) =C(V1−V2)/I

-   -   Where V1 is the full charge voltage and V2 is the lowest         operating voltage.         In one embodiment of the invention, the power supply to drive         the one or more LED elements or an array making up light engine         40 could be a boost pulse width modulated (PWM) current source,         or a buck PWM current source. Alternatively, a buck-boost PWM         current source might be utilized. Also, a flyback current source         or SEPIC current source might be used as discussed below. A         buck-boost topology would provide a desirable long run time         (discharge time) for device 10 by providing power to the one or         more LED elements when the ultracapacitors are fully charged and         the voltage may be higher than the forward voltage necessary for         the LED. Such a topology then also provides power to the LED         when the charge on the ultracapacitors due to discharge is lower         than the forward voltage for the LED. In one embodiment, using         two 100 F ultracapacitors, 30-40 discharge curing cycles of 10         second each might be achieved on a single charge, for example.

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a suitable buck-boost converter 200 for use in an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 illustrates two ultracapacitors C1, C2. Alternatively, a single ultracapacitor might be utilized. Still further, more than two ultracapacitors might be utilized to realize the invention, as discussed below. As such, the present invention is not limited to any particular number of ultracapacitors that might be utilized in the power supply.

Power supply circuit 200 utilizes a PWM integrated circuit U1. U1 is coupled with inductor L1 and provides power to one or more LEDs. FIG. 10 illustrates symbolically a single LED1, however, such a symbol also covers an array of multiple LEDs. PWM circuit U1 provides power through a current sensing resistor R3. The power supply might be controlled through an ON/OFF switch S1 coupled with a suitable control circuit U3, which provides ON/OFF control and timing functionality for the operation of the LEDs and the light device. Circuit U4 provides a local power supply for the U3 control circuit. In order to control U1 as a current source in the present invention, circuit U2, such as an operational amplifier, converts the current through the LED, sensed by resistor R3, into a feedback voltage. The feedback voltage is used to control the U1 circuit as a current source, as desired. Resistors R1 and R2 set the voltage feedback level to the U2 circuit.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a buck converter power supply 300 might be utilized to provide a constant power load on the ultracapacitors and provide a constant current to any LED element. A buck converter topology, as illustrated in FIG. 11, somewhat resembles the buck-boost topology, as set forth in FIG. 10 with like elements sharing like reference numerals. The power path from the PWM circuit U1 includes a Schottky diode element D1 and inductor L1, as illustrated. The buck converter circuit 300 might be utilized if the LED light engine voltage requirement is less than the ultracapacitor stack voltage.

Alternatively, if the LED light engine voltage requirement is greater than the ultracapacitor stack voltage, a boost converter topology might be utilized. For example, the boost converter circuit 400, as illustrated in FIG. 12, might be used to drive the LED light engine. FIG. 12 resembles FIG. 10, with like reference numerals being utilized for like elements. In the boost topology of circuit 400, a solid state switch Q1 provides the functionality to turn the power supply ON/OFF based on the control of switch S1. Such a switch Q1 might also be desirable for circuits 200 and 300 as well. Schottky diode D1 and inductor element L1 are coupled appropriately for the boost converter operation.

In the circuits of FIGS. 10-12, 15, 16, PWM circuit U1 can be a standard buck, boost, or buck-boost PWM circuit that can operate at low voltages, such as from 1.5 Volts to 12 Volts. In each of the five circuits, the U2 circuit element is utilized to control the voltage feedback to the PWM U1 to provide the current source function. The voltage across the R3 element is directly proportional to the current through the LED, and the error amplifier amplifies the small voltage drop across the low Ohm sensing resister R3 to equal the internal PWM reference voltage. The U3 circuit is a control circuit that controls the ON time of the light engine and the shutdown when the ultracapacitor has discharged to a point that is too low for use by the PWM circuit U1. The U3 circuit could be a microprocessor, microcontroller, complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a simple analog timer, such as a ZSCT1555. The U4 circuit is a charge pump power supply that acts as a low power buck-boost controller, and provides a stable, constant supply voltage to the control circuit during the discharge of the ultracapacitor. The Q1 circuit acts as a solid state switch to disconnect the LED power supply from the ultracapacitors when the power supply is turned OFF. The power circuit 400 illustrated in FIG. 12 utilizes the Q1 element. Such a solid state switch Q1 may or may not be necessary with the buck converter of FIG. 11 or the buck-boost converter of FIG. 10. Inductor element L1 is an electronic element required for the switched power mode power supply (SMPS). The value of L1 could range generally from 1 μH up to 300 μH. The D1 element, as noted above, is a Schottky diode that generally would be utilized for the buck or boost converter configurations of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates and alternative current source for powering the LED light engine in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 15 illustrates a flyback current source 600, wherein similar elements are used, as noted above, with respect to other embodiments. In FIG. 15, T1 indicates a flyback transformer and element Q2 illustrates a flyback switch, wherein resistor R4 is a current limit sensing resistor for switch Q2. In operation, when the switch Q2 is ON, the primary of the transformer T1 is directly connected to the input voltage source. The voltage across the secondary winding is negative, so the diode D1 is reverse-biased (i.e., blocked). The output capacitor supplies energy to the output load, such as LED 1. When the switch is OFF, the energy stored in the transformer is transferred to the output of the converter. The feedback signal from the current sensing resistor R3 is sent back to the PWM circuit U1 to control the LED current.

FIG. 16 illustrates another alternative current source in the form of a “single-ended primary inductor converter” (SEPIC) converter 700. A SEPIC converter is a type of DC-DC converter that allows the electrical voltage at its output to be greater than, less than, or equal to, that of its input. The output of the SEPIC converter is controlled by the duty cycle of the U1 circuit from the feedback signal from current sense resistor R3 that is sent back to the U1 PWM circuit to control the LED current. Similar references are used in FIG. 16 as used in FIGS. 10-13 and 15. Q1 is a solid state switch that turns the power supply ON/OFF. The split inductors L1 and L2 provide the boost function (L1) and the buck function (L2). Capacitor C4 provides AC coupling in the circuit of FIG. 16.

While the various FIGS. 10-13, 15, 16 illustrate two ultracapacitors C1 and C2 in series, a single ultracapacitor might be utilized, as noted above. Alternatively, the ultracapacitors C1, C2 might be connected together in parallel. Still further, more than two ultracapacitors might be utilized, and they might be coupled together in a series-parallel arrangement to provide the required voltage and power for the light device 10.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the circuit as illustrated in FIG. 13 might be utilized, such as for providing power to lower power LEDs for applications other than curing dental compounds. Circuit 500 in FIG. 13 is in the form of a boost converter, which is powered by ultracapacitors C1, C2. A voltage detector portion of the circuit provides power to a “Ready” LED (See FIG. 1A) to indicate that the light device 10 is fully charged. An ON/OFF switch portion powers a timer circuit, which drives a solid state switch Q2 to turn the power supply ON and OFF after a selected period of time (e.g., 5-40 seconds). A boost converter then provides the necessary power to an LED or LED array as shown.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of Applicant's general inventive concept. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A curing light device for curing a compound, the curing light device comprising: a housing; a tip structure configured to be removably coupled with the housing, the tip structure having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one light emitting device operable for emitting light in a wavelength range suitable for curing a light curable compound, the at least one light emitting device positioned at the distal end of the tip structure; electrical components positioned at the proximal end of the tip structure and coupled with the at least one light emitting device, the electrical components configured for engaging complementary electrical components positioned in the housing for providing power to the at least one light emitting device; a portion of the tip structure extending beyond the proximal end of the tip structure, the tip structure portion configured to be received by a feature in the housing for physically aligning the tip structure in the housing and for aligning the complementary electrical components in the tip structure and housing to transfer power from the housing to the tip structure; a power supply circuit positioned in the housing and operably coupled with the electrical components positioned in the housing, the power supply circuit being rechargeable and including at least one ultracapacitor element for being charged.
 2. The curing light device of claim 1 wherein the portion of the tip structure extending beyond the proximal end of the tip structure is centrally located in the tip structure for physically aligning the tip structure in the housing.
 3. The curing light device of claim 2 wherein the electrical components are positioned around the centrally located portion of the tip structure for being aligned with complementary electrical components of the housing when the tip structure is removably coupled with the housing.
 4. The curing light device of claim 1 wherein the portion of the tip structure extending beyond the proximal end of the tip structure includes at least a portion of a heat sink thermally coupled with the at least one light emitting device.
 5. The curing light device of claim 4 wherein the feature for receiving the tip structure portion includes a channel formed in the housing, the channel including a heat sink to thermally couple with the heat sink portion of the tip structure.
 6. The curing light device of claim 1 wherein the power supply circuit includes a current source circuit coupled between the ultracapacitor element and the electrical components that is configured to discharge the at least one ultracapacitor element as a current source for driving the at least one light emitting device, the current source circuit including at least one of a buck converter circuit, a boost converter circuit, a buck-boost converter circuit, a flyback circuit and a single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) circuit.
 7. The curing light device of claim 1 wherein the tip structure is formed of an autoclavable material capable of withstanding autoclaving.
 8. The curing light device of claim 1 wherein the tip structure includes a heat sink extending from the at least one light emitting device at the proximal end to at least the distal end and insulative material covering the heat sink between the proximal end and the distal end.
 9. The curing light device of claim 1 wherein the tip structure includes at least one of a transparent element or a lens for sealing the tip structure distal end proximate the at least one light emitting element.
 10. The curing light device of claim 1 wherein the electrical components of at least one of the tip structure and housing are circular and can engage complementary electrical components over a range of 0° to 360°, so the tip structure may be rotated with respect to the housing.
 11. The curing light device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the electrical components of the tip structure or housing includes spring contacts to ensure engagement between the complementary electrical components.
 12. A curing light device for curing a compound comprising: at least one light emitting device operable for emitting light in a wavelength range suitable for curing a light curable compound, the at least one light emitting device positioned at a distal end of the curing light device; a heat sink system thermally coupled with the at least one light emitting device for removing heat therefrom, the heat sink system including a solid element thermally coupled with a phase change element, the solid element cooperating with the phase change element to remove heat from the at least one light emitting device.
 13. The curing light device of claim 12 wherein the solid element is thermally coupled with the at least one light emitting device.
 14. The curing light device of claim 12 wherein the phase change element includes a reservoir portion containing an amount of phase change material capable of absorbing heat.
 15. The curing light device of claim 14 further comprising a channel coupled with the reservoir portion, the channel configured for engaging with the solid element for transferring heat from the solid element to the reservoir portion.
 16. The curing light device of claim 14 wherein the phase change material includes at least one of paraffin wax or paraffin wax with carbon.
 17. The curing light device of claim 12 further comprising a housing and a tip structure configured to be removably coupled with the housing, the at least one light emitting device positioned at the distal end of the tip structure, the solid element of the heat sink system being located in the tip structure.
 18. The curing light device of claim 17, the phase change element being located in the housing, the solid element thermally coupling with the phase change element when the tip structure is coupled with the housing.
 19. The curing light device of claim 18 further comprising a channel in the housing thermally coupled with the phase change element, the channel configured for receiving a portion of the tip structure when the tip structure is coupled with the housing.
 20. The curing light device of claim 19 wherein the phase change element includes a reservoir portion containing an amount of phase change material capable of absorbing heat, the channel thermally coupled with the reservoir. 